Robert Kyncl
An entrepreneurial leader and creator economy pioneer, Robert joined WMG from YouTube, where he served as Chief Business Officer. Robert oversees the company’s global operations, including its Recorded Music division and Warner Chappell Music publishing arm, as well as WMG’s various corporate functions.
During his 12-year tenure at YouTube, Robert played a central role in defining the company’s strategy and leading its impact on entertainment and culture, including overseeing its creative and commercial partnerships, as well as its operations. He drove the development and expansion of YouTube’s creator, artist, and media company ecosystem, while helping lead the launch of its paid subscription services – YouTube Music, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV.
Prior to YouTube, Robert spent seven years at Netflix, where he led its push into streaming film and TV content, helping it evolve into an entertainment giant. Recruited by the company to work on its DVD-by-mail business, he volunteered to explore the potential of streaming video in 2005 and helped deliver the debut of Netflix’s streaming service in 2007. Robert began his career in the mailroom of a talent agency, J. Michael Bloom, and then worked for HBO International, before joining a kids entertainment start-up, ALFY.
Robert and his wife Luz run the Kyncl Family Foundation, which provides financial assistance to students from underrepresented communities pursuing STEM degrees. A sought-after speaker on cultural trends and technology, he is the co-author of Streampunks: YouTube and the Rebels Remaking Media. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a BS in International Relations from SUNY New Paltz.